Youngsters fuel Revolution revival

John ConnollySaturday, September 14, 2013

FOXBORO — A year ago, the Revolution were a struggling outfit that seemingly saw their playoff hopes slip, slide away with each outing. Since then, the club has undergone a metamorphosis to a bona fide playoff contender, riding a contingent of “young guns” in the process.

The talented group has exploded on the MLS scene and provided a significant upgrade to the squad as it heads into tonight’s game (8:30, CSN) against Chicago at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill. The two teams are separated by a mere one point in the Eastern Conference standings. The Revs (10-10-7) occupy the fifth and final playoff spot with 37 points with the host Fire (10-11-6) close on their heels.

The Revs youngsters have played a prime role in the resurgence. In fact, since Aug. 17, players aged 23 years or younger have scored all 10 of the team’s goals while recording six of the team’s nine assists. Kelyn Rowe (age 21) has four goals and an assist during that span, Diego Fagundez (18) of Leominster has three goals and two assists, Juan Agudelo (20) has three goals, Dimitry Imbongo (23) has two assists, and rookie Scott Caldwell (22) of Braintree has one assist.

“I think it’s a process,” Revs coach Jay Heaps said. “We’re a team that believes in our draft picks. We believe in our Homegrowns. For us to be successful, we need to utilize all avenues of gathering players. With that, we’ve also added experience with international players in Jose Goncalves and we made good trades internally with Juan Agudelo. We’re trying to hit on all cylinders in that area, and it takes a little time for all that to come together. We lean heavily on the younger guys because we know they can handle it. It’s not a situation where they must play because we have no one else. We’re actually relying on them. . . . Their strengths are coming into play.”

Rowe agreed.

“Like you said, it’s a young team, a young attacking squad, really, but I think we all work together because of that,” he said. “We try things that other players may not. We’re willing to make a mistake and I think that’s helping us because those flashy goals are coming. You can’t be afraid to make a mistake, and I think that’s what we have.”

Rowe, who scored his fourth goal in the last four games in Sunday’s 4-2 loss to Montreal, said it’s been fun.

“I’m there to work hard,” he said. “Causing havoc and obviously, playing behind that striker and I’m looking for the ball in those gaps and I’ve been able to find those gaps the past couple of games, and when teams back off I’m not afraid to shoot. You’ve seen that the past couple of games with my goals and I’m looking to create, whether it’s myself or someone else.”

The Revs faced Chicago twice already this season and came away with victories each time.

Heaps said, “They are a difficult team to play at their place. We have to follow our game plan and take advantage of what we’re strong at.”